Understanding the situation after all this chaos, Il Cheonggeom acted as if there was something wrong with him.

The members of the Martial Alliance nearby, particularly Beomdong, seemed as if an earthquake had just struck.

What can I say?

Connections really are something wonderful to behold.

It was a realization that hit me anew.

‘…Hah.’

Perhaps it was thanks to Heavenly Lord intervening in the situation.

Thanks to that, my head had cooled down a bit.

There’s no way this body could have fought Il Cheonggeom right now.

Ah, maybe I could have won if the circumstances were right, but it would have definitely messed up my plans.

“Is the conversation over? Can I leave now?”

“…”

Il Cheonggeom’s brows were furrowed.

He looked like he wanted to say something to me, but he seemed distracted by Heavenly Lord beside him and couldn’t spit it out. Soon, he just glared at me in silence.

“…I will guide you.”

He quickly lowered his tail.

Once I broke through the initial resistance, the path towards the pavilion was smooth.

Il Cheonggeom himself was guiding me, and after all, it wasn’t that far to begin with.

I moved steadily while glancing around a bit.

‘There are many people clinging on.’

I initially counted forty.

A number greater than that was still positioned inside.

While it was significantly fewer than what the clan originally possessed, it was still a considerable number.

If I had any doubts about it,

‘Where did the remaining members go?’

There were three Great Lords next to me.

Il Cheonggeom, Seomgeom, and the other one…

‘Not sure, but I would guess it’s Gold Dragon Master.’

Considering he was wearing two swords at his waist, it seems likely he practiced dual sword techniques as the Gold Dragon Master.

I confirmed that First Dragon Great Lord was dead… Red Dragon Master was a no-show. As for Wind Dragon Master, I knew what they were up to, so where did the rest go?

‘I didn’t see any demon beasts making a scene, so I thought everyone was here.’

That didn’t seem to be the case.

So where the heck did they go?

“…”

Suddenly, one part of it came to mind, and I sincerely hoped I was wrong.

If that guess was accurate, it would leave me feeling resentful.

After following the guide for a bit longer, I finally arrived at the pavilion.

The area around the Martial Arts Tournament where I had clashed with the Sword King was here.

Just moments ago it was like this, and yet it’s hard to believe how much chaos had unfolded since then.

‘This is ridiculous.’

I couldn’t help but let out such thoughts as I stared ahead.

The vermillion barrier still loomed.

There were quite a few people surrounding it.

“…Damn…!”

“What the hell are we supposed to do about this?!”

“Let’s pick up the pace…! Our clan leader is inside!”

“We’re doing our best here!”

People fidgeted and stared at the barrier. I could see familiar martial robes, symbols of prestigious families, and even emblems of those wealthy clan families of the Central Plains.

Whether by strength or influence, those gathered here were the current core of the Central Plains.

I watched their figures quietly, then slightly raised my gaze.

The tall pavilion stood, and I caught sight of those gathered above it.

Among them was the face of an elder at the front.

‘Look at that old man’s face. He looks like he’s about to kill someone.’

That was none other than the current leader of the Martial Alliance, Wudang’s Sword Master.

The Sword Master bore a facial expression that was anything but kind; he looked like a ghoul, completely devoid of the usual gentleness.

He likely understood that the situation was reaching its end given how clear the sky appeared.

And yet, still wearing such an expression meant…

‘He must know something.’

He wasn’t a complete idiot; he must be aware of the state of the Martial Alliance and how it was unraveling, all while being unable to act himself. I could only imagine how angry he was.

I understood that feeling all too well.

‘How amusing.’

Somehow, it made me feel good.

With a light heart, I continued on.

I wove through the crowd blocking the path, teasingly nudging them aside.

“Excuse me, coming through.”

“Ugh…! What the—!”

“Yes, yes

 

---